Negotiations between the police department and township started in 2012. The arbitration process began in February 2013, according to Caln Township Manager Greg Prowant.

The township plans on approving the amended contract with the proposed changes. The specifics of the settled agreement will not be released until both parties sign the agreement, Prowant said.

“We had met with the association,” he said. “We have come to an understanding and confirmed that we have a proposal that was accepted by both sides.”

The contract has yet to be officially settled, but the township’s 2014 budget won’t take a major hit if it is approved by both sides.

According to Prowant, $1.73 million is the budgeted salary for 2014.

No cuts have been made to the police department since the contract expired at the end of 2012, he said.

“We had prepared the budget to include an estimated settlement cost,” he said. “I see no change in the 2014 budget.”

Elias was hired as Caln’s police chief April 2013. Before making his way into the Caln Police Department he spent 28 years with the Pennsylvania State Police Department.

During his time with the state police, he went through seven different contracts.

“There is always the atmosphere of uncertainty,” he said.

According to Elias, he is pleased with the department’s performance since he began his duties in Caln considering their contract status.

He also said the department has a low turnover rate. The newest officer has been with the department for six years.

“I really didn’t have much involvement with the (Caln) arbitration, but I can tell you throughout the selection process I was aware it was an ongoing issue and from then until now I know both sides wanted to get it resolved as quickly as possible,” Elias said. “It had no effect in the 10 months I had been here in operation. It was business as usual. The fear of the unknown is always a concern.”

Prowant estimated that the amendment to the new contract will be finalized in the next month.

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